Huami Magazine Memphis September October 2017 by Terry Watson

MEMPHIS

Sept./Oct. 2017 Vol. 1 Issue 1 FREE

Surreal Spice Creations Shay Stanley

Carlton Gray Carlton L. Gray Funeral Services Memphis - September/October 2017

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Memphis, TN

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Memphis - September/October 2017

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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

Huami To About Grow It! There Magazine Are No If, Continues Ands, Or Buts A Letter from the Editor

A Letter From The Editor

A Letter from the Editor

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? Allsince of your hopes Can you believe it? Ten years have passed the plans, very first edition and dreams wouldn’t have ainstreet to parkNC. on. What Whatstarted if of Huami Magazine was launched Greensboro, as a everything that you togrown put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of plans, hopes personal conversation withdecided God has into ayour full-fledged publication happened? There would be reason to save a rainy spanning four states. Beginning with the September/October and dreams wouldn’t have ano street to park on. for What if2017 edition, Huami Magazine now covers andtomorrow Nashville, TN, day, and you could someone theuntil trouble of making everything that youspare decided to Memphis put off never Greenville and Spartanburg, SC, and Richmond, VA. promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making

Sometimes scratch mylast head and think ofseemingly how God placed promises.I still What if your opportunity expiredsuch a hugetoday? responsibility upon me. He knew and believed in my capabilities, I’ve been that I often Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much. and has been merciful to allow me doing time toenough realizedand it for myself. Honestly, I feel like I am not I’m a firm Even now,believer I am still learning and enjoying the ride while the process in knowing that God seem wouldn’t onchanges me I’ve been told that I often like put I do anything too much. and the purpose becomes clearer. that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would

Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me I This is an amazing moment for Huami Magazine. Just as we have have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would showcased various business owners, community individuals and leaders is aifblessing that afforded to everyone. A challenge be I chose sitisn’t idle we andhave accept it presented to me. throughout Northto Carolina, nowwhat acquired the interest of I to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? have found that states to be very opinion, opportunity others in neighboring who boring. desire toInbemy informed and learn about If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge what’s happening in our portion of the African American community. something newwe about myself. Relinquish your pride and in me aisfeature an adventure. Whatinis2008 the worst can happen? I can to recall produced on thethat Warnersville return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, andNC. if I try I don’t, but very instead neighborhood in Greensboro, They were the firstlearn African something new about myself. Relinquish and in American neighborhood in the triad, and we wereyour verypride fortunate to Theone best evercitizens, given toTeresa me happened when someone return acquire interview of advice the life. original Pennix. The story was rich told but me to make my tomorrow today. Inamongst doing soother in history it also helped to positionhappen Huami Magazine I have pressed my wayarea. through doors with a key that only to existing publications in our What started then has continued The best advice ever given to me happened when someone 2017,told all because of theImy support from our readers and the surrounding hope provided. have also learned the today. difference between me to make tomorrow happen In doing so community. blesses and what cana burden with Iwhat haveGod pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key thatme only as well. I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided. I have learned the to difference between With theGod expansion Huami so does opportunities when to be the quiet, because what blessesofme withMagazine, and what life can burden me with for our readers and supporters grow. You will now be connected may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident andto others who also think and thirst for thewhen African and with being toAmerican bearrogant. quiet, culture because information Huami Magazine is known for delivering. If it’s happening someone may get it confused in Tennessee, we will share it in South Carolina. When a musician or Make youarrogant. tomorrow with being author needs to be heard outside of happen today, but most Richmond, we will transport their craft importantly make it count. Makeof you tomorrow to the readers Charlotte, Raleigh, Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most Spartanburg and Nashville. we must putmake ourselves in a importantly it count. position to hear what it is all Life is but a whisper and This is what Huami Magazine is telling us. put 10 ourselves in a about. we Formust the past years, everything position to hear what it we’ve done has now opened theisdoors telling us.headed. I am very to where we are honored andTerry privileged to take you L. Watson along with us.

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief

TerryWriters L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Tonya Dixon Editor Terry L Watson Terry L. WatsonPublisher Writers Alana Allen Tonya JeuronDixon Dove Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Safiya Nelson Alana Allen Writer Photographers Dr. Marrissa Dick Dove Writer PerfectJeuron Lenz Photography Terry L.Shaw Watson Writer Photography Group Photographers Still Shots Photography Tamara Smith Lenz Photography Who Shotya Photography HowardPerfect Gaither Photographer Shaw Photography Group Ashleigh Crawley Photographer Still ShotsLayout Photography Toni Shaw Photographer Who Photography MykelShotya Media Company Sherwin Evans Linda Bennett Photographer Layout Howard Gaither Photography

Mykel Media Inquiries Company General mykelmedia@yahoo.com Linda Bennett huami.memphis@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any 340-7844 portion of (336) this publication is prohibited without

written MAGAZINE permission isfrom the publisher to HUAMI published quarterly prior by the doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any for statements by individuals featured or portion of this made publication is prohibited without advertisers. Comments concerning this publication written permission from the publisher prior to be Media submitted to the editorresponsibility by doing so. may Mykel doesn’t accept Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com for statements made Email by individuals featured or terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com advertisers. Comments concerning this publication 336-340-7844 or toto the editor by may be submitted Mykel Media Company, LLC E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com P.O. Box 20102 terry.editor@yahoo.com Greensboro, or toNC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE Mykel Company, LLC 2014 Media All Rights Reserved Box 20102 2017P.O. All Rights Reserved Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

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Editor/Founder Want To Advdertise? Terry L. Watson Please call Photography 336-340-7844 Photo by Shaw Group Terry L.2014 Watson Editor/Founder November/December Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

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On The Cover

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Memphis - September/October 2017

CONTENTS

Bishop Bryan J. Pierce Sr.

Kala Slade

Sept./Oct.

2017

Mackenzie Deanna Cox

Also Inside..........................

Carlton L. Gray of Raleigh, NC

Chiccy Baritone

Delicious Salads and Wraps Surreal Spice Creations

Learn About An IRS Enroll Agent Mary Ann Adams

Ambi Shantay

Teen Adolescents Pen Girls Journal A Girls World

Chef Fran Mosley

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By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Jerry Barbry

Genesis 3:19 says, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” It’s the returning to dust portion where funeral directors can ease this transition by acknowledging the emotional wellbeing of the bereaved and by providing the family with a professional presentation of their loved one’s remains. Meet Mr. Gray, owner and operator of Carlton L. Gray Funeral and Cremation Services. Established since 2004 he and his staff are well known throughout the Wake County and Raleigh Durham area for providing quality death care services. Their reputation even extends to international and national borders. Discussions of death can be a daunting task, but it is a discussion that Mr. Gray has been anointed to have. From the tender age of six he knew that God had planted a seed inside of him to provide care for the dearly departed. A seed that his grandfather saw fit to water with great pride. According to Mr. Gray, “I became involved in the death care industry because I grew up around it. My grandfather was a grave digger, a laborer, in my home town and I spent a lot of time with him. As far as I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a mortician and own my own funeral home.” Mr. Gray is thankful that he never forgot his grandfather’s words of wisdom stressing the importance of him receiving an education in the field. His grandfather said, “Son, if you do decide to do this make sure you go to school and get a license so you can go further than me.” It was watching his grandfather’s spirit of excellence and humble servitude that solidified his respect for the death care industry. Ecclesiastes 9:11 states, “The race is not given to the swift nor the strong but he who endures until the end.” This is what Mr. Gray did - endured. Once he graduated from high school Carlton’s goals were to join the military, attend mortuary school, and eventually have his own funeral business. Upon retiring from the US Army he attended John Tyler Community College in Petersburg, Virginia where he graduated with a degree in funeral services. From there he worked at Joseph M. Johnson Funeral Home in McKenny, Virginia for a short period. Mr. Gray credits his time working under William Toney’s Funeral Homes of Spring Hope and Zebulon, North Carolina for affording him the opportunity to gain tremendous experience in serving in the death care industry. Reflecting back on attaining his goals, Mr. Gray chuckles of the times when having his own business was merely a dream. He shares, “You know most funeral directors or morticians have a story very similar to mine. Growing up I played funeral a lot. I remember embalming all of the baby dolls I could get my hands on, digging a grave in the back yard, then burying them. I would have a service and use the kids in my family and in the neighborhood as the bereaved family and of course, I was the funeral director.” He is grateful that his persistence and steadfastness has come full circle.

A Legacy Built On Service

Pictured (from L-R) are James Snelling, Jarvin Holder, Liz Richardson, Milon Fenner, Calvin Cherry

“I became involved in the death care industry because I grew up around it. My grandfather was a grave digger, a laborer, in my home town and I spent a lot of time with him. As far as I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a mortician and own my own funeral home.”

Continued on the next page

Carlton Gray with wife Mirranda

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Carlton Gray

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So, why would a family seek Carlton L. Gray Funeral and Crematory Services as the ideal business to handle their loved ones transition from this earthly world to the next? Mr. Gray is confident that it’s because of the individualized and genuine care that he and his staff provide to each family. He also believes that his services stand out from the rest of the other funeral homes in the area because they provide traditional and alternative services as well as offer international and national shipping of human remains. They have extensive experience in sending ones beloved remains to all parts of the world like Africa and South America. Additionally, they are knowledgeable about international policy and procedures and cultural customs. Mr. Gray also believes that their business is growing through word of mouth because they help their families make wise decisions as far as choosing different options. His patrons often tell him that once everything is over the family has peace of mind that their loved one has received quality care. Mr. Gray shares that he and his staff literally treat the families who enter their doors as though it could be someone in their own family. He says, “We all have to remember that person lying there is somebody’s wife, somebody’s husband, somebody’s mother, somebody’s father, somebody’s daughter or son and you have to treat that deceased person as though they are the most valuable person you’ve ever had and that’s something we do every time.” The funeral home provides a variety of resources that extend from your basic funeral etiquette to grief counseling and advance planning.

“No one has any control over death. So it’s important to plan for this day. We plan for all of these other life events like birthday parties, a graduation and a wedding and we insure the things that we value like our homes and our cars. We need to ensure our lives so when we leave here we can be assured that our loved ones aren’t going to be in debt behind our untimely departure.”

Another benefit of seeking Carlton L. Gray Funeral and Crematory Services would be to gain advice about resources that are available to veterans. With Mr. Gray being a veteran, he has intricate knowledge about completing the required forms so veterans can take full advantage of their death care benefits from burials to markers to receiving additional monies that a family may be entitled too. He says, “All honorable discharged veterans are entitled to a flag, monument, and a burial space in a Federal or State owned veterans cemetery. Some veterans may even be entitled to more monetary benefits depending on their status.” Mr. Gray encourages all veterans to locate their discharge papers so when that time comes their loved one knows exactly where to look for that information. He believes knowledge is power and knowing where to find information relieves half that financial stress and worry from the family. He and his staff also assist with completing Social Security benefit forms. Mr. Gray is painfully aware that when anyone is calling upon his services that “they’re probably experiencing the worst day of their life.” Far too often families don’t know what to do or understand how to handle funeral arrangements. The one thing Mr. Gray would like to impress upon those reading this article is for anyone who is the head of their family, the bread winner, or a single parent is to have insurance and maintain it. He says, “No one has any control over death. So it’s important to plan for this day. We plan for all of these other life events like birthday parties, a graduation and a wedding and we insure the things that we value like our homes and our cars. We need to insure our lives so when we leave here we can be assured that our loved ones aren’t going to be in debt behind our untimely departure.” Mr. Gray stresses the importance of leaving your children and grandchildren a legacy by maintaining an insurance policy. As he explains it, “Yes they’re going to miss you when you’re gone, but if you can leave them enough money to burry you and leave them enough money to go to college or enough to start a business of their own then just think how much more they would appreciate you knowing that you had the foresight to think about bettering their future.” Mr. Gray wanted to share that purchasing insurance is very inexpensive and anyone can go to their local funeral home to acquire a policy.

Carlton Gray 88

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Carlton L. Gray Funeral and Crematory Services is one of the first African American owned funeral homes to build and own their own crematory in North Carolina. He is hopeful that his children will carry on the legacy of the business. Mr. Gray acknowledges that we are living in a globalized world where a lot of inquiries and transactions are taking place through the Internet. He says, “You know we live in such a transient world and because of the Internet you don’t really have to go to a brick and mortar facility. We have a lot of inquiries and we communicate through the internet. I see our cremation services growing more and more. I think that’s the wave of the future and I’m glad that we’re able to accommodate those that desire that type of service.” Mr. Gray is humbled by his patrons continued support and shows his appreciation by giving an Annual Remembrance Service for all families who have lost loved ones during the year. He recognizes that, “they can easily go anyplace else but they chose us and we don’t take it for granted. … We try to serve all of our families with the utmost professional service every time.” Carlton L. Gray Funeral and Crematory Services is a 6,600 square foot funeral home and crematory facility located at 2810 Kidd Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. They are licensed by the National Board of Funeral Directors, the North Carolina Board of Funeral Services, the Funeral Director and Embalmer Association, and they are also an authorized insurance agent. Mr. Gray and his staff are on call 24/7 365 days a year; however, their hours of operation for their physical location are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Call them or visit their website today to learn more about their quality funeral and cremation services and affordable pricing. h

2810 Kidd Road - Raleigh, NC 27610 919-231-6120 www.carltongrayfuneral.com Memphis - September/October 2017

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Pure Artistic Studio

S in 2013.

hay Stanley has built a hair product line on one principle, “do it with passion or not at all”. At the start of Shay’s career she worked as a licensed Cosmetologist in someone else’s salon before opening her own salon, Styles By Mizz Shay in Little River, South Carolina (located within 15 minutes of Myrtle Beach)

As a stylist she specializes in Silk Presses, Blowouts, Relaxers, Styled Cuts, Color, Natural Hair, and Extensions. While operating a salon in a beach community, Stanley noticed many of her clients’ hair were adversely affected by high humidity and a lack of moisture. She responded by creating a line of hair care products that would directly address their issues. Thus, Desire Transformation Hair Care was born. Desire Transformation Hair Care is designed to infuse moisture and proteins that aid in eliminating frizz while leaving the hair soft and manageable. Some of their products include Detox Therapy Shampoo, Hydrating Moisture Shampoo, Moisturizing Silking Conditioner, Shiny Satin Silk, and Hair Growth Oil. They also offer personable selections and travel kits. All of the Desire Transformation Hair Care products are available online. The transformation experience is what Shay loves about her products and services. “I chose this career because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I understand the needs of my clients and I am able to meet them by providing a level of service that brings life back into their hair,” she says. “At my salon, I provide an atmosphere that promotes healthy hair and beauty, both outward and inward. It is impossible for one to leave and not feel transformed.” Moving forward, Stanley hopes to expand Desire Transformation’s presence in the marketplace to that of the bigger brands. She also hopes to conduct continuing education classes and seminars for other stylists in and around South Carolina. h

Orders Available Online www.desiretransformationhaircare.com

843-446-5880

@desiretransformationhaircare @stylesbymizzshay

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Is Simply Beautiful

By Dr. Marrissa Dick Photos by Still Shots Photography

story of transparency is a scary thing to unveil especially when you expose your emotional and mental proclivities to the community where you were born, reared, and work daily. What’s most challenging is opening yourself up and becoming vulnerable to those who see you on a routine basis believing that you have it all together especially when you adorn a sweet smile, your make-up is flawless, your hair is stylish and your wardrobe is well put together. On top of that you have achieved the traditional American dream of being married, having children, and possessing not one, but two successful businesses. What more could a person possibly ask for? Depending upon who answers that question, in particular, a person suffering silently with depression, the answers could sound something like this: “How about having a sound mind instead of having a mind that constantly tells you how worthless you are?” or “You don’t mean anything to anybody and the world would be better off without you.” Unfortunately, these responses are all too real for those struggling with depression.

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Meet Mrs. Kala Slade, wife, mother, friend, and business owner of Simply Beautiful Hair Studio and Boutique and Simply TuTu Cute. Kala is a woman who has been medically diagnosed with depression. Like millions of people, Kala struggles daily to push past the mental and physical pain of depression. What some would consider the ordinary task of waking up and putting both feet on the floor doesn’t come so easily to Kala. She shares, “There are days that you wake up and you’re fighting mad that you did wake up. … You’re tired of having to smile when on the inside you’re actually crying.” Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It’s a serious mental health condition that requires understanding from your family and friends and receiving professional care by a certified psychologist or counselor or taking prescribed medication so you can live a balanced and healthy life. It wasn’t until Kala fell apart emotionally from the constant highs and lows of daily life and had to be hospitalized did she understand that she had been struggling with depression for a great portion of her life. Since her diagnosis, Kala has received professional help and has learned how to recognize her symptoms. She share, “The biggest thing I want people to understand about depression is that it’s not something as simple as I’m not feeling well emotionally today because I had a disagreement with somebody or my money is funny. It’s not circumstantial; instead, it’s waking up every day feeling hopeless. It’s everyday feeling like you’re not worth anything. That’s exactly what you feel daily. That’s what you struggle through daily.” This internal conflict for most is a passing phase, but for those suffering with depression this daily fight can be a debilitating reality. Prior to being diagnosed with depression Kala sought multiple ways of self-medicating her symptoms by reading self-help books, attending church, studying scripture, fasting, praying, and reciting words of affirmation, but nothing seemed to work; however, she didn’t waiver in her faith. Eventually, she realized that God had enabled professionals in the field to be able to assist her medically. Kala would like those suffering with depression to seek and maintain professional help. She’s convinced that professional help is the key to surviving the emotional and mental rollercoaster ride. According to Kala, depression doesn’t have a single cause and anything can trigger it like having a simple conversation. She shares, “I would wake up feeling fine, leave the house feeling fine, but then by the time I finished working I would return home a different person. That has been difficult for my husband because as a man he wants to fix everything for me but he doesn’t know how. Even a simple conversation can be challenging because of the thoughts going on in my head when he’s talking to me trying to figure out what’s wrong or simply asking about my day. While he’s talking to me my thoughts are telling me that I’m unworthy of him and he deserves better than me but he doesn’t know what’s going on inside of me so a simple conversation that we’re having can end up causing me to withdraw.” Kala is eternally grateful for her husband’s understanding and support because he has endured her mood swings and has been there for their children even when she was emotionally unable to do so. The struggle is real and Kala want’s others to understand that those suffering with depression shouldn’t hide from it or feel ashamed. She is encouraging those individuals who are suffering with the highs and lows and feeling that internal bottomless void to seek professional help from the agencies within their communities. She desires that open discussions be held about depression even at church because the church is where the “sick” are supposed to be able to go and receive help without fear of condemnation and judgment. It is her strong desire that mental illness be called out by its’ name so it can stop lurking in the shadows of our communities. She’s hoping to use her testimony and life experience dealing with this illness to help others be who God has created them to be so they can live peaceful and productive lives. Kala realizes that this forthrightness is much larger than her.

The concern she has about being judged by her friends and community for sharing her story are almost as debilitating as her illness; nonetheless, the desire to be a platform for those who need her help is far greater than what others may say or think about her. According to Kala, “I’m really an introvert and it’s hard for me to believe that I’m sharing my story, but I have to realize that all of this is greater than me. If my testimony can help someone else push past another day and keep fighting then it’s all worth it. Ultimately, you determine if you’re going to give up. I’ve chosen to stand and help others fight.” The smile beaming from Kala’s face is genuine as she proudly showcases her Salon and boutique adorned with unique accessories and fashionable clothing consisting of blinged out t-shirts and colorful tutus. “You know, often times when you look good on the outside that helps you feel better on the inside,” she shares. Depression is a treatable illness. You don’t have to suffer in silence. You don’t have to be alone. h

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Her Nicknames

huami

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Mackenzie Deenaya Cox The daughter of Xavier and Shontria Cox Photos provided by Shontria Cox

To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to mykelmedia@yahoo.com

Chiccy Baritone

here isn’t just one word that can sufficiently describe this remarkable and talented individual. Introduced to the poetry circuit in 2001 and affectionately named, “Chiccy Baritone” (Pronounced “chick-y”) Charlene Evans lives up to the full meaning of her stage name - Chic, well-put together (spiritually and emotionally).

First, she is a Christian and poet who has a talent for manipulating words as a means of expressing herself. She is also a writer, bookworm, traveler, and coffee connoisseur who has a natural love for people and culture. Her work as a poet is spiritually grounded and inspired by God. While she speaks, Chiccy hopes that something spoken will minister to the souls of others. Baritone uses her deep melodic alto voice to share her life stories in the form of poetry with much authority. Her work can best be described as spiritually grounded, filled with real life situations and God-filled solutions. Before discovering the gift of poetry, Chiccy worked corporately as an engineer, focusing on project controls and product development, all while balancing her love for arts and technology. She believed managing a professional career and a career as a poet helped cultivate a desire for social change and empowerment.

“I discovered the gift of poetry while doing pageants at Spring Valley High School during my junior and senior year. While trying to decide what I was going to do as my talent, I knew I loved to read poetry so I decided to do monologues. Once I graduated from high school, I entered college at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC with the desire to start writing. Right before graduating I visited an “open-mic” event where I opened my personal notebook and began reading poetry that expressed my growing pains in college,” she says.

www.chiccybaritone.com

Upon moving to Greenville, SC in 2001, she took poetry a little more seriously and started memorizing her work, until she started Chiccy Baritone Productions in 2004. God is a keeper. From 2009 to 2016 she has experienced several challenges in life. One being very painful, was the death of her mom, Viola Evans, and a bitter moment with the deaths of her two best friends, Mertyse Lemons and Tavis Brunson. At those times in her life, Baritone recognized how close she was to falling deeply into depression but says God continued to keep her through it all. “My relationship with Jesus and the power of the word of God continues to strengthen and motivate me to live my life for God and to fulfill every assignment that God appoints,” she says. Baritone is not content with being the last in line. She has strategically moved her way to the front of the line where she maintains a strong presence. Looking forward Baritone hopes to complete a couple of books, one for poetry and another dedicated to the memory of her mom. She plans to continue to work on her next CD titled, “Wildflower Vol. 2” along with her band in Greenville, SC. She will also host “Breakfast for Champions/Women Empowering Women” sessions throughout the United States. Her first independent session h

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n w ro

G e av

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Mary Ann Adams IRS Enrolled Agent

T/E General Accounting & Tax Service

Memphis, Do You Know What A Enrolled Agent Is?

t’s a question that I am asked often! It seems that, we are America’s best kept secret. Most people either individually or professional are not aware of what an Enrolled Agent (EA) is, how an Enrolled Agent can help them with their taxes, tax representation, resolution, or advice.

An Enrolled Agents (EA), just like Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and Tax Attorneys, are individuals who are eligible, qualified, and certified to represent Taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In other words, they can help individuals with their business and/or personal tax returns and can represent them before the IRS, in all matters except for Tax Court. Only attorneys and individuals who have passed the “Tax Court Exam for NonAttorneys” are authorized to argue cases before Tax Court. According to the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), EA’s are America Tax Experts! An Enrolled Agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. To become a credentialed EA, the person must pass an IRS test covering individual and business tax laws and regulations or worked for the IRS for five years or more with specific experience. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years. All candidates are subject to an IRS background check and can be “disbarred” from practice before the IRS for misdeeds. An EA can also be disbarred for failing to meet their continuing education requirements. Enrolled agents have unlimited practice rights. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices

they can represent clients before. Because their enrollment is a federal designation, they can work across state borders, whereas CPA’s and Attorneys must meet the requirements of any state they wish to practice in.

Why clients hire us to represent them? Craig W. Smalley, EA, explained it best: “Even if you are innocent and the police question you, you would hire an attorney, right? Why? Because police officers are adept at eliciting false confessions. You are hiring me because I have the expertise to know what the IRS can get away with and what it can’t. In short, you are hiring me because I know exactly what your rights are.” Enrolled Agents are regulated by the Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers for audits, collections, and appeals. There are estimated to be approximately 40,000 Enrolled Agents in the United States. There are additional Enrolled Agents living and working in foreign countries. The enrollment license has become a symbol of excellence and professionalism in the representation of all types of taxpayers before the IRS and other government tax agencies, such as State and Franchise Tax Boards. h

T/E General Accounting & Tax Service Providing Expertise in Taxation Issues 1105 East Wendover Ave. Suite D Greensboro, NC 27405 336-265-8348 / 336-235-1912 maryannadms@aol.com

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Adolescent Girls Pen New Journal That Is For And All About Girls “A Girl’s World” is a journal wholly created by girls, for girls that provokes honest and compassionate discussion about what it means to be an adolescent girl. 1818

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A Girl’s World is an authentic and heartfelt journey into the lives of adolescent girl discovering themselves. The authors, Damonie Johnson (14) and Laila Thomas (10) share true stories about their experiences with pain, excitement and the stress of meeting the many expectations placed upon them as adolescent girls. Through this engaging and interactive dialogue journal, adolescent girls will be challenged to explore their own self-identity, how it affects their relationships with their peers and how their identity and engagement with the world is impacted by simply being a girl. “I really want to be able to share my story and experiences in a way that lets other girls know that they are not alone,” says, Johnson. Johnson bravely shares her heart-wrenching story of helping a friend who was hurting herself and how she has struggled to overcome the pain of growing up without her mother. But this book is not just about heart-ache and pain. The book also encourages adolescent girls to find beauty in everything around them. “I want girls to be inspired by the things they see in their everyday life… shapes, colors, flowers, and h especially, food!” says Thomas.

Damonie Johnson

Damonie Johnson is 14 years-old and a new author. She lives in Crestview, FL and currently attends Shoal River Middle School where she is an A student. She plays the trombone in the school band. In her spare time, she loves to read books, draw and listen to music. Authoring a book is a life-long goal for Damonie. She also looks forward to having a successful career as a musician in a professional orchestra.

The girls will be a part of A Girl’s World Expo in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on October 1, 2017.

www.girlsworldexpo.com

Laila Thomas

Laila Thomas is 10 years-old. She is a new author and is full of spirit. She lives in Acworth, GA and is an A student who loves to travel and cheer. She has recently begun to explore photography and has an insatiable appetite for food. Her favorite food is Mexican. When Laila isn’t capturing her life on video using her mom’s phone, you can find her being a loving and supportive big sister to her two younger siblings.

Memphis - September/October 2017

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Chef Fran Mosley HM Dessert Lounge

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Patrice Mosely here is nothing typical or ordinary about HM Dessert Lounge, Dessert and Novelty Restaurant of Memphis, TN. Everything they do is over the top. While chicken and waffles may be their niche, their menu offers many more tasteful, delicious items that’s suitable to satisfy most food addicts.

Owned and managed by Patrice and Champ Mosley, HM Dessert Lounge original business concept was to offer desserts only. However, by natural progression and customer demand, they expanded their menu. From the beginning, they were all in, both mentally and financially. The couple decided to use all of their savings to get the business started. “There was no cushion waiting for us in the event of a slow flow of business or mistakes. There were times when we prayed for customers to walk through the door. That was in the very beginning and was the most challenging time in business for us,” she says. All they had was faith. They knew it would happen but not exactly when. HM Dessert Lounge began in December 2011, as Haute Monde Sweet & Savory Catering. It was derived from a Thanksgiving Eve competition between Chef Fran and her husband, Chef Champ. She would always say to him “I will stay off of your grill if you stay off of my stove and out of my oven” In 2007, Casscius challenged her to a competition to make a Peach Cobbler, that would compete with her “families favorite” Apple Crunch Cobbler. They invited family over at midnight on Thanksgiving to taste and judge. “My brother brought a friend with a guitar and it turned into a party to which we affectionately named “Sweet Café”. The next year family and friends called asking if we’d be having Sweet Café again! That year we had more friends and family than we could hold in our house. The following year in 2009 we rented a venue for the event and we maxed it out. At that point, we decided this could be a business. We started looking at next steps for opening a restaurant to showcase our culinary talent but also provide a platform for local artist and designers to display their crafts.” A challenge they’ve faced in business was attrition and hiring and keeping good employees. Patrice shares, “We both came from corporate backgrounds where employees were there for years. Our expectation was that we would hire good people and they would stay for years. We didn’t understand that the restaurant business has a large attrition.” Finding nice people that will come to work every day was also a challenge for them. “We sweetened the deal by stepping out of industry standard and implemented tip share and payroll incentives. From there we never had to talk about being at work on time daily.” “My Dad taught me at an early age “If you love me, you will cook for me”. I have carried that with me all of my life,” she said. Now, she is passing those same nuggets along to her children. “I want them to know they can use their gifts and talents and create a viable business. They can build a legacy or take what we have built for them and make it more innovative. I live for the light bulb moments in children’s faces when I say I am Chef Fran and they want to know all about the business of cooking. I cherish the priceless laughs and giggles they share when I show them how food is science and how learning science and math is important to being a great cook.” The future looks bright for the HM Dessert Lounge. If you are in Memphis, be sure to stop by and enjoy their sweet goodness. Chef Champ and Chef Patrice promises that you will not be disappointed. h

The HM Lounge 1586 Madison Ave - Memphis, Tennessee (901) 290-2099 www.thehmlounge.com

Mount Zion Baptist Church of Greensboro, Inc.

By Dawn Cauthen-Thornton Photos by Still Shots Photography ow does a young boy from the third ward of New Orleans, Louisiana manage to lead Mount Zion Baptist Church, one of the largest churches in Greensboro, North Carolina? Simply put, it was in God’s plan. Like many black families, the Pierce’s typically spent Sundays in church. From the children to the adults, everyone knew how important worshipping was so when Bryan Pierce was a mere five years old, he was baptized. The Pastor held him in his hands and told his mother that her son was going to be a preacher. He gave her specific instructions on how he should be raised and that she most certainly should pray over him every single day. His mother knew she had a task on her hands and allowed Bryan and his siblings to listen to recorded children’s Bible stories to ensure they understood its teachings.

A year after his baptism, the first grader began to get reprimanded for talking in class, until one day, his teacher decided to call him to the front of the room and allow him to share what was so heavy on his six-year-old mind. Bryan stood up and explained to his peers what he had been learning during his home Bible study sessions. His teacher was speechless. She was so moved that she called in another teacher (who was also a Christian) to come and hear him speak on things that no other child his age knew. Stunned, both teachers shuffled him to every classroom on their hall throughout that week to show off their prized pupil. Bryan remembers, “They eventually called my mother and said they wanted her to come and see what I had been up to in school, so of course she thought I was in trouble. And so did I.” Unbeknownst to young Bryan and his mother, he was listed on the program to share his biblical knowledge during the next school assembly – in front of the entire school. Once his mother saw the prophesy come to pass, she broke down in tears and ushered him back to the Pastor who had originally baptized him, showing him the gift that he had spoken of.

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Memphis - September/October 2017

“Because there were skeptics, the Pastor wanted to ‘watch me’ to see for himself. They wanted to know that it was real,” explained the Bishop. So, for the next three years he was under his Pastor’s direct tutelage as he dug deeper into his faith. At nine years old, the man who had taken Bryan under his wing and observed the true gift he had been blessed with decided it was time. It was time for him to share this anointed young man with the world. Bryan was finally licensed. Bishop Pierce traveled around the city as well as neighboring states preaching whatever God had put on his heart. “I was called on for almost every youth event nearby. I didn’t have notes or a manuscript to work from. I would just read what was in the Bible and then talk about it.” There were newspaper clippings and articles showing him preaching the gospel at revivals and events all over the area.

doesn’t know the Lord. And I’m sometimes disappointed when I see new pastors abandon the foundation that got us here. There are some that just talk about money and not the core values like salvation and loving your neighbor.” It’s evident that Bishop Pierce hasn’t gotten to where he is by mistake, but by favor. He knows absolutely that to whom much is given, much is definitely required. He feels he was chosen by God to deliver his message to the masses and there are many who echo those same sentiments. During our two-hour conversation, I can see why he is so loved by the church he leads, Mount Zion Baptist Church. He is never content where he is. He’s always searching for another soul to touch and another life to change. It’s a good thing he started with himself all those years ago. h

Years went by before young Bryan started feeling the pressures of being in his position. His friends started shunning him. Not because they were jealous, but because they respected his calling. They revered him so much that they wouldn’t allow him to hang out with them, citing his ‘Preacher Boy’ status. At that time, the streets of New Orleans were dangerous and filled with gangs and violence, even more than it is today. “When I wanted to go do things with them and have fun, they would say no and send me home.” Bryan quickly grew tired of that and tried to boost his street status by rebelling against what he knew was right. He slowly drifted away from school and his faith to ‘fit in’. He wanted to shed the ‘Preacher Boy’ image and the perfect life the community expected him to lead. On Sunday, he would still attend church and fulfill his holy duties, but during the week, he ran the streets with the wrong kids. He even skipped class so he could continue to portray this defiant persona. It took the tragic death of two of his close friends, within the same year, for Bryan to clearly hear God’s voice. “He told me that those were strikes one and two…the third strike would be me.” He learned that when God speaks, he has no choice but to listen. Even if that means letting go of all that you know and all that you think you love. At Bryan’s request, his parents packed up and moved the family across town to save their children. Unfortunately, because he had missed almost the entire school year due to hanging out, he decided to officially drop out of school and did not graduate with his class. Bryan went on to become an ordained minister at 19 and later earned his High School diploma. Knowing that God had bigger things in store, he also earned an Associate’s degree in Biblical Studies, a Bachelor’s degree in Divinity, and next year will defend his thesis to obtain a Master’s degree.

The Mass Choir of Mount Zion and Gospel sensation, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard led the affirmation ceremony in worship.

It would be fair to say that Bishop Pierce has had an eventful life. His speaking ability allowed him to travel throughout his home state and share the word of God. However, he had another talent that took him even further; singing. He was once a third of the award-winning gospel group, ‘Men of Standard’. For years, he divided his time between traveling the world sharing his musical gifts, then running back home to help pastor a local church. He realized he couldn’t do both and decided it was time to plant his feet firmly in God’s house; First in Concord, NC then later in Greensboro where he is currently the head pastor and CEO of Mount Zion Baptist Church. With four children to raise (three sons and a daughter), Bishop Pierce and his wife of 22 years, Debra, saw the value in slowing down to actually enjoy being parents and best friends to each other. “I view my success not by how big my church is and how many awards I get, but…,” he gets choked up, “but that my son jumped in the car after his practice the other night and thanked me for showing up to his games and practices. That’s success to me. Because at the end of the day, my son knows that I didn’t put a meeting or a service or someone else before him.” Bishop Pierce knows all too well how imperative it is for a man to show up in his child’s life. He saw too many of his friends led astray by not having that guidance. He’s a role model not only to the children in his home, but to many in his church and other new pastors wanting to travel the same road. Oftentimes parishioners and seekers of the cloth don’t see the logistics and the dedication behind running a successful organization. “You have to a have a ‘whosoever’ will. Your target audience should be whomever

1301 Alamance Church Road Greensboro, NC 27406 336-273-7930 www.mtzbc.com

Memphis - September/October 2017

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Surreal Spice Creations By Terry L. Watson Photos by Surreal McDonald

S Our customers create their own deliciousness, we just make sure it’s fresh and presented well.

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Memphis - September/October 2017

urreal Spice Creations is a unique, custom salad and wrap restaurant in Antioch, TN. Owner Surreal McDonald, says they use nothing but fresh ingredients to create very delicious entrees.

Surreal was raised in Detroit, MI by entrepreneurs Doyle and Pamela Johnson. She married the love of her life Tywane McDonald in 2013, while living in Charleston, S.C. She has one daughter, Veronica Adams and one stepson, Jaylen. Before opening her own restaurant, she worked in corporate America for 10 years. “I took a leap of faith and left my job to open Surreal. When my husband came on board, the business really took off. He built walls, counters, and helped outfit the business with affordable equipment,” she says. “If he didn’t step out on faith along with me, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are now.” Surreal comes from a family of entrepreneurs. Her parents have been business owners for over 40 years and her sister has owned her business for over 20 years. Her husband’s parents were also business owners. “The apples didn’t fall far from the tree, it just took us longer to figure that out,” she said.

Surreal Spice Creations offers their customers over 50 fresh ingredients to choose from. They can make salads or wraps, and their menu is endless with unique spins and combinations. “There are too many unhealthy choices around town and we used to have to drive 30 minutes away for a fresh salad. I wanted to give our customers a better option than we had,” she says. They also make fresh soups daily. The customer favorite at Surreal is their Ground Turkey Chili. “We can’t make enough of it. My personal favorite is our wild rice, chicken with lemon soup”. Being a business owner has allowed her more flexibility with her family. “I’m showing them that their dreams can happen if they have faith and believe. As a black business owner, I thought the struggle was going to be harder than it was. I never thought we would have as many supporters as we do from all different cultures and walks of life. There is a stereotype of black businesses not being able to be successful for whatever reason. However, I feel we’re doing something right and have seemed to surpass the negatively that awaited us. We help other businesses grow and try to develop other entrepreneurs while asking for nothing in return,” she says. For the past four months, they’ve been working on expanding their current location. They now have two units and celebrated their one year anniversary on August 27th of this year. “We don’t plan to do anything major soon, but they recently partnered with a friend to open a gourmet popcorn shop in Antioch. It will be called “Whatz Poppin”. Stop by Surreal Spice Creations and allow them to spice up your day with some delicious food and great customer

Surreal Spice Creations

2940 Murfreesboro Road Suite 114 Antioch, TN (615) 835-3586

www.surrealspicecreations.com

Memphis - September/October 2017

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Memphis - September/October 2017

Author and Lover of People

Healing Flows was written as a spiritual and emotional release. It details my faith-journey with infertility and high-risk pregnancy. It looks at those issues in the face and speaks to men and women everywhere because my battle may not be their battle. For every problem, GOD has a solution. I instruct readers how to trust God for the impossible. I also speak to issues of depression, anxiety, and loss. These are things that we don’t like to talk about in the Black Community; but if we can have it, then God can heal it. We just have to believe, and I have been chosen to share my journey in order that someone else may be healed and set free.

One on One

Who is Ambi Shantay?

Ambi Shantay is my brand but I also wear a lot of hats. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, minister, a visionary-and with all those hats, I have to be somebody different in each role. I am the person you want to call on the phone and ask for advice, but you’re not really sure that you are ready to receive what that person has to say. I can love on you and give you the words you need to hear; but at the same time, I am that person that’s going to hold you accountable and allow you to really look inside yourself and pull out those things that you desired to keep hidden. I’m everybody’s sister.

What is Your Testimony?

I am ecstatic to be celebrating 5 years in ministry this year ! Not only am I celebrating 5 years in ministry, but I am doing what I love to do. What better way to celebrate than with the release of my brand new book! God has called me to tend to the hearts of my sisters, and it’s not a task that I take lightly. I am also grateful for the leadership of my shepherd Jason Scales and Lady Barbara, pastors of Believers Faith Fellowship, who allows me to freely walk in my calling and encourages us to define our destiny and walk in our purpose. I can finally say that I am doing just that, and it is a great feeling. The process is not always easy and we don’t always understand it, but it’s definitely worth the struggle. A lot of people won’t see what has been planted inside of you. It’s not for them to see. Stay the course! Don’t giveup.

What do you love about writing?

I have always loved writing, yet I’ve always pursued it as a hobby. Whether it was just journaling or writing devotionals and sharing them when I minister, I never took it further. I considered journalism when I went to college, but I ended up pursuing a degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication because my passion for speaking was greater. I never had a desire to actually be an author; which is so ironic. My first book “Healing Flows”, I consider an assignment directly from the Lord, so of course I had to be obedient. I had recently given birth to my first child and I was suffering from post-partum depression. I didn’t know how to express my emotions. There were so many and I just felt alone like I couldn’t talk to anyone, and so I started back writing. However, I didn’t know that my written thoughts were going to be shared with the world. Two years later I was in prayer and I was asking God to move me to the next level. Clear as day, I heard “write your book”. I didn’t have to question Him because I already knew what He wanted. Memphis - September/October 2017

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Paranda Davis W

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood

hatever your age at this very moment, can you imagine what you were doing when you were eight years old? I’m positive I was either playing with my Barbie’s, riding my bike, or running around in the yard barefoot.

Paranda Davis may have been doing the same, but she was also learning about saving money and buying real estate. Though she was born in Charlotte, her late grandparents, Raymond and Velma Davis, raised her on a farm in Norwood, N.C. along with 16 children of their own. Her mother gave birth to her as a teenager, but her grandparents decided they would step in to make sure she and her younger sister were raised in a stable house, as Jehovah’s Witnesses, with two loving parents and a host of aunts and uncles to watch over them. Her beloved grandfather was the person who originally sparked her interest in real estate. “One day I was listening to him think out loud and he mentioned purchasing land nearby. He explained that if 14 of his 16 children invested $1,000 they would own it.” That conversation sparked Paranda’s interest in investing, which led to her buying her first home at 19. She still owns that home 20 years later, along with others, and rents them. If you have gone through the tedious process of capturing a piece of the American pie as much as this mother of six (five biological children and one foster child) has, you know that it can be bitter at times. Administering credit checks, applying for loans, and sifting through bank statements can twist anyone’s brain into knots. That’s where Paranda Davis, “The Credit Beast” comes in. For the last four years, she’s helped countless customers learn about debt, credit, interest rates, and what it takes to live the life they’ve dreamed about. While creating this business on paper, the entrepreneur sharpened her skills working part time at a financial services firm and attending the University of Phoenix to obtain an associates degree in Business Administration. She also supported her family by working third shift as a Certified Nurses Assistant, as well as dabbling in construction and other lines of work. She worked around the clock to provide for her family, but realized it just wasn’t benefitting her. She was ready to settle into a career and find one thing that would allow her more stability. “My cousin, Patinesia Davis, gave me the idea to actually go into business for myself. She mentioned that I’ve always helped people with their finances and counseled them on how to have good credit, and that I should think about it as my own business.”

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Memphis - September/October 2017

CLIENT TESTIMONY I would like to commend you on being a professional that is compassionate to your clients needs and diligent in your follow ups. It is clear to me that you were God sent and used as a vehicle to carry me through a rough patch and across the finish line. I’m firm believer of the importance of having valuable supporters to help achieve your goals or whatever it is in life one chooses to accomplish. I know wholeheartedly that I couldn’t have achieved this without your expertise and a host of others that have been my biggest supporters. Thank you for being you, and thank you for understanding my needs, believing in my needs and being the Credit Beast that you are. You have definitely earned that title.

Shinique Pernell

Paranda did just that. She thought about how she could help herself and help others at the same time. She earned her associates degree in 2008 just as the housing market crashed. It was much harder to purchase a home and other big ticket items. Having and maintaining good credit was more important than ever now. Over the next few years she continued to cultivate her idea. When it was time, her longtime partner, Akeem Davis, urged her to forge ahead with what had been on her heart all her life. He gifted her money to apply for a business license and take certification classes that would ultimately lead to opening “Davis Future Planning, LLC”. She is certified, licensed, and bonded and since 2013, Paranda has counseled hundreds of people on budgeting, saving, building wealth, how to use credits cards responsibly, and of course, increasing their credit score. She’s so passionate that she is currently in the process of developing classes to offer in schools, detention centers, and other organizations to help the community thrive. In addition, her book “How to Get an 800 Credit Score” will be on local shelves for purchase in October. When asked about teaching children about money, she makes it sound very simple. “I started with telling my children to turn off lights in each room of the house or cutting their shower times in half. It runs up the [utility] bills. When we go to the grocery store, I tell them how much we can spend and what we need to buy. That’s budgeting.” Starting when they’re young is key.

Pictured below are Paranda’s Grandparents

If Paranda’s story sounds easy, make no mistake. It wasn’t. With the help of her mom and other close relatives, she escaped a cruel and abusive 12 year marriage a decade ago. “My husband killed me. He choked me until all my bodily fluids were released from my body. I literally saw the light. But I told God that I was not ready to go.” In a panic, Paranda’s ex-husband performed CPR (after choking her) and revived her. Now she helps other victims overcome similar circumstances while aiding them in rebuilding their finances to start a new life, just as she did. Her philosophy is simply, “When you give up, the enemy wins.” Thank goodness Paranda Davis didn’t give up. There are many people across the state who have benefitted from her guidance. h

www.davisfutureplanningllc.com 800.239.1493 Memphis - September/October 2017

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Memphis - September/October 2017

NEW MUSIC

Her new single BIGGER will be available Tuesday, September 26th On all musical outlets including iTunes, Google Play and Spotify Memphis - September/October 2017

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